Meet Carter Smith. Alongside his co-founder, Brandon Downer, he launched Pinks Window Services in Austin, Texas, after the pair got laid off from corporate gigs in 2020. While most people would take a break after being let go, these two went all in, turning job loss into an opportunity.

a picture of carter smith and brandon downer, founders of pink window

Carter’s creative branding and marketing chops paired perfectly with Brandon’s finance skills, and together, they aimed to create a service company that could cut through the noise.

The Problem They Solved

Pinks Window Services wasn’t just about cleaning windows—it was about solving the headache of unreliable service. Think of all the times you’ve booked a home service only for them to show up late or do a half-hearted job. Carter and Brandon wanted to put an end to that, offering not just clean windows but reliability, professionalism, and a dash of charm. They knew that if they could nail this, they’d have a repeat business on their hands.

(A screenshot of pink window's website)

(A screenshot of pink window's website)

The Lightbulb Moment

After getting laid off, Carter and Brandon spent a lot of time walking around their Austin neighborhood and noticed something: dirty windows everywhere. But the idea wasn’t just born from that. Carter had been mulling it over even before the pandemic. After doing some research and learning from experts like Steve-O, they were ready to roll. What started as a way to “make ends meet” quickly transformed into something bigger when they saw the potential.

(A picture of Carter Smith, alongside his co-founder, Brandon Downer)

a picture of carter smith and brandon downer standing beside a pink window bus

(A picture of Carter Smith, alongside his co-founder, Brandon Downer)

How They Started

Like most businesses, Pinks started small and scrappy. Carter and Brandon hit the ground running, offering their services door-to-door—sometimes even for free—just to get some practice and feedback. They started with basic gear from Home Depot (think squeegees and buckets) and gradually upgraded their tools as they got more jobs.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. They had to figure out which systems worked best through trial and error, and there were plenty of mistakes along the way. But through grit and a ton of learning, they soon developed a reputation for being reliable and high-quality.

a picture of brandon downer , founder of pink window

How They Got Customers

Their approach to getting customers? Old school mixed with modern flair.

Door-to-Door: Carter and Brandon literally knocked on doors offering free or discounted window cleaning services. And it worked. People love a good deal and, even better, they appreciated the face-to-face interaction.
Word of Mouth: Their first customers were neighbors, friends, and family. By doing great work, they encouraged these early customers to spread the word. Nothing beats a personal recommendation, right?
Commercial Outreach: They didn’t stop at homes. Carter and Brandon took their pitch to local businesses—cafes, restaurants, and shops—offering window cleaning services to anyone who would listen. By wearing uniforms and showing up professionally, they quickly built credibility with these businesses.
Social Media Magic: Once the business started picking up, they invested $1,000 a month in Facebook and Instagram ads. But it wasn’t just boring before-and-after photos; they created fun, engaging content that gave their brand personality. And it clicked.
Mobile Billboards: Ever the hustlers, they negotiated deals to park their branded van in high-visibility areas. Imagine your company’s name front and center every time someone drives by. Genius.

Their approach to getting customers? Old school mixed with modern flair.

Door-to-Door: Carter and Brandon literally knocked on doors offering free or discounted window cleaning services. And it worked. People love a good deal and, even better, they appreciated the face-to-face interaction.
Word of Mouth: Their first customers were neighbors, friends, and family. By doing great work, they encouraged these early customers to spread the word. Nothing beats a personal recommendation, right?
Commercial Outreach: They didn’t stop at homes. Carter and Brandon took their pitch to local businesses—cafes, restaurants, and shops—offering window cleaning services to anyone who would listen. By wearing uniforms and showing up professionally, they quickly built credibility with these businesses.
Social Media Magic: Once the business started picking up, they invested $1,000 a month in Facebook and Instagram ads. But it wasn’t just boring before-and-after photos; they created fun, engaging content that gave their brand personality. And it clicked.
Mobile Billboards: Ever the hustlers, they negotiated deals to park their branded van in high-visibility areas. Imagine your company’s name front and center every time someone drives by. Genius.

Growth and Scaling

Pinks wasn’t just about landing one-off gigs; they wanted long-term clients. That’s why they introduced tiered cleaning plans, offering discounts for customers who signed up for regular services. This not only created predictable income for them but also gave customers peace of mind knowing their windows would always be clean.

They scaled by focusing on three key things:

Recurring Revenue: Maintenance plans kept money flowing consistently.
Branding: Their quirky 50s/60s aesthetic made them stand out in a sea of blue-collar services.
Customer-first Approach: Showing up on time, doing a stellar job, and treating customers like VIPs earned them rave reviews.

They scaled by focusing on three key things:

Recurring Revenue: Maintenance plans kept money flowing consistently.
Branding: Their quirky 50s/60s aesthetic made them stand out in a sea of blue-collar services.
Customer-first Approach: Showing up on time, doing a stellar job, and treating customers like VIPs earned them rave reviews.

What Made Pink Window Services Stand Out?

Carter and Brandon weren’t just building a window cleaning business—they were building a brand. By taking pride in their service and branding it with personality, they created something that resonated with both residential and commercial clients. Plus, their hands-on, hospitality-driven approach made customers feel like they weren’t just another name on a list.

From $0 to $62,000 a Month

Within just a few weeks of knocking on doors, they were landing $1,000 days. Word spread, their business grew, and before long, they were hitting $62,000 in monthly revenue. And it didn’t stop there. Their success caught the attention of Resibrands, who acquired Pinks Window Services in July 2023.

Key Takeaways

Carter Smith’s journey shows that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need to do it better. Be reliable, focus on quality, and add a touch of flair. It worked for Carter, and it can work for you too.

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Story originally posted on Starter Story

If you're interested in more stories like this, here's more for you 🙂

I share more of these case studies in my newsletter and I'd love for you to join here 😊

Do me a favor and pass this on to a friend or share on X/reddit? It'll take just 20 seconds—this one took me about 9 hours to research and write 🫠

Shoot me a DM if you want to share your story or visit this page to submit your information 💌

Story originally posted on Starter Story

Start a similar business

You can kickstart a window cleaning business like Pink, but you don’t need to go all in with a franchise model. Start small. It’s easier than you think. Get a basic website up (just to look legit), grab some simple tools, and start getting the word out on social media. That’s it. No need to complicate things. You could be in business by next weekend.

a screenshot of window cleaning business induztry size

Tools you’ll need to get started:

Squeegee – Your main tool, keeps windows streak-free.
Bucket – Keep it simple; a sturdy one will do.
Cleaning solution – You can even DIY this with water, vinegar, and dish soap.
Extension pole – For those tall windows.
Microfiber cloths – Essential for finishing touches and detailing.
Ladder – In case you get those big jobs with tall buildings.
Rope access gear – Only if you’re tackling skyscrapers, but that’s way down the line!
Website – Something basic to make you look pro. Even a one-pager works.
Social media accounts – Start with Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work.

That’s it! Don’t overthink it. Just start.

Tools you’ll need to get started:

Squeegee – Your main tool, keeps windows streak-free.
Bucket – Keep it simple; a sturdy one will do.
Cleaning solution – You can even DIY this with water, vinegar, and dish soap.
Extension pole – For those tall windows.
Microfiber cloths – Essential for finishing touches and detailing.
Ladder – In case you get those big jobs with tall buildings.
Rope access gear – Only if you’re tackling skyscrapers, but that’s way down the line!
Website – Something basic to make you look pro. Even a one-pager works.
Social media accounts – Start with Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work.